When the sun hasn’t yet risen and most of us are still deep in slumber, Jill Szwed is already bright-eyed and ready to deliver your daily forecast. As the newest addition to the NEWS10ABC team, this morning meteorologist brings both expertise and enthusiasm to Capital Region viewers. Stepping into the role previously held by Jess Briganti, who returned to Ohio in March, Szwed has quickly made the WTEN weather desk her own.
From Western Pennsylvania to the Capital Region
Born and raised in western Pennsylvania, Jill knows a thing or two about harsh winters. Those Pittsburgh roots mean she’s certainly not afraid of snow – a useful trait for anyone covering weather in upstate New York’s Capital Region. Before making her way to Albany, Szwed honed her forecasting skills in Kentucky, bringing southern viewers the weather updates they needed.
“I can’t wait to take in a race at the Saratoga Racetrack,” she says, though acknowledges that sitting in the stands might have to wait until next summer due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Viewers looking to connect with Jill can follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, where she shares weather updates and glimpses into her life outside the studio. Now, let’s dive into those 20 things you don’t know about this rising star in meteorology.
Interest in Weather
Jill’s interest in weather wasn’t something that developed later in life – it sparked all the way back in her 5th-grade science class. As many children fear thunderstorms, young Jill found herself fascinated by them. While most would hide under blankets during thunderstorms, she’d be pressing her face against the window, watching nature’s light show with wonder.
This childhood fascination extended to her family life as well. Her dog, Chesney, wasn’t quite as enthusiastic about storms as Jill was. In fact, the nervous pup found comfort in having Jill as her thunderstorm buddy during those loud, frightening moments.
“There’s something magical about understanding the patterns and forces that create our weather,” Szwed often tells students when visiting classrooms, hoping to inspire the next generation of meteorologists.
Passion for Dance
Weather wasn’t the only thing that captured Jill’s attention while growing up. Her other passion was dance, which she started when she was just 4 years old. She continued dancing through college, displaying remarkable dedication to both her meteorological studies and artistic expression.
Among the various styles she practiced, ballet was her favorite style. This classical form of dance requires discipline, precision, and grace – qualities that also serve her well in the exacting field of meteorology.
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Her talent even earned her a spot as a guest performer in the Lexington Ballet’s production of Sleeping Beauty during her time in Kentucky. The experience of performing in a professional ballet production remains one of her fondest memories from her time in the Bluegrass State.
Education
Szwed is a proud alum of Saint Louis University, where she developed her meteorological expertise while continuing to pursue her passion for dance. The university is known for its strong science programs and also happens to be the home of one of the most unique college mascots in the country – the Billiken, a charm doll created by an art teacher that became the unexpected symbol of the university.
During her time at Saint Louis University, she balanced rigorous scientific studies with her artistic pursuits, preparing for a career that would combine technical knowledge with on-camera presentation skills.
Family and Personal Interests

For Jill’s family, baseball’s Opening Day is treated like a holiday – a time for celebration and gathering together. Though her work schedule can be demanding, she makes time for these important traditions.
Despite her early wake-up calls, Szwed describes herself as a natural morning person, though she admits that coffee definitely helps her maintain her cheerful on-air demeanor in the pre-dawn hours.
During her time working in Lexington, she had the unique opportunity to broadcast from the Kentucky Derby. As luck would have it, she was present for the wettest Derby in history – the same year that Justify went on to win the Triple Crown.
The neighborhood where she lived growing up was built on what was previously a horse farm – perhaps foreshadowing her future covering equestrian events like the Derby.
Family remains central to Szwed’s life. She has a younger sister who she describes as her best friend and confidante. Their close relationship has been a constant through all of life’s changes and career moves.
In her spare time, Jill loves to cook and bake, often turning to Ina Garten as her go-to source for new recipes to try. Culinary creativity provides a relaxing counterbalance to the precision required in her meteorological work.
Modern communication styles seem to align with her expressive personality – she describes herself as a big emoji fan, admitting that almost every text she’s ever sent includes at least one colorful symbol.
Everyone has a guilty pleasure, and Jill’s is celebrity gossip – something she suspects is secretly everyone’s hidden interest. She looks forward to putting this knowledge to good use during the celebrity birthdays segment on the morning show.
When it comes to her personal philosophy, Szwed believes you’re never fully dressed without a smile and a cute pair of shoes – an approach that brings both warmth and professionalism to her on-air presence.
For vacations, her favorite vacation spot is Charleston, SC, where she enjoys the historic architecture and coastal beauty of the South Carolina lowcountry.
Looking to the future, seeing the Rockettes and attending a Broadway show remain high on her bucket list – dreams she hopes to fulfill now that she’s much closer to New York City.
As an advocate for girls in STEM, Szwed frequently speaks about the importance of encouraging young women to explore scientific fields. “My hope is that girls will have the opportunity to explore a career in the STEM fields,” she says. “The sky’s the limit for every student.”

I’m Zaheer Ahmad is a content writer and SEO Expert with 2 years of Experience. I have Already work with BBC News Website.